edited by Judith Rubin

Since 1966, Las Vegas based JBA Consulting Engineers has seized every change and major shift in the design and construction industry as an opportunity to evolve, reinvent itself and remain an active and innovative partner for its clients.

ABOVE PHOTO: The Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC features exhibit lighting designed by Luce Group.

As JBA continues to grow and diversify, the firm is excited about the momentum two of its divisions are having, Artistic Engineering and the recently acquired Luce Group.

Artistic Engineering is the intersection where art and engineering meet. JBA’s Artistic Engineers orchestrate engineering and consulting needs, while bridging the gaps between the creative and architectural processes to ultimately, bring experiences to life. The mission is to provide technically innovative solutions that support the design and integration of theme parks, attractions, entertainment, museums, hospitality and retail. The unique strength and value to the client is the vast knowledge of five decades of traditional engineering design.

JBA’s Artistic Engineering team announced earlier this year that attraction architect David Price – Founder of Price Leisure Group and son of Disney Legend Harrison “Buzz” Price – will serve as Executive Advisor to JBA’s CEO – Jim Gist – and the Artistic Engineering Group.

In making the announcement, Jim Gist said – “I could not be happier to have David Price team with JBA and our Artistic Engineering group. JBA has been evolving since 1966, engineering solutions for complex buildings across a gambit of sectors and this represents the next step to better serve the creative design communities we work with every day. Artistic Engineering is focused on Bringing Experiences to Life™ by leveraging technology to engineer the blue-sky creative experiences owners and designers have developed. David will leverage his experience to help coordinate communications and bridge a gap between our Artistic Engineers and the creative teams. He will represent JBA and Artistic Engineering at industry events, serve as an advisor to me personally and work globally to elevate the conversation our Artistic Engineers have to deliver a ‘WOW’ experience through progressive engineering.”

David is Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Western Division President, an organization representing creators of compelling places and experiences worldwide. David also sees TEA as “the NASA of the entertainment industry.” According to David, “JBA Artistic Engineering fits into the creative heart of our industry with demonstrated expertise in MEP engineering, fire protection, acoustics, audiovisual, show control, lighting, telecommunications and security/surveillance.”

Most recently, JBA acquired New York-based Luce Group. Luce specializes in exhibit, themed entertainment, architectural, and theatrical lighting design. Their work, which has been called “superb” by the Boston Globe, ranges from an award winning gallery at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to the recently completed Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History Culture, to colorful, cued environments in major science centers, to renovations of historic homes and buildings, to traditional art galleries.

“Luce adds value to JBA’s portfolio of design services. Working hand in hand with our Artistic Engineering team and our electrical department, Luce will provide lighting design services that our clients are now requesting,” said Jim Gist. Luce’s Executive Director Traci Klainer added, “We are so excited to join JBA. They are a great cultural fit for us and we’re excited to be a part of a larger team that will allow us to continue our excellent work and grow with our clients.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, JBA remains an international engineering consulting firm, dedicated to providing technical engineering expertise for a variety of commercial building projects around the world. JBA’s offices include Atlanta, Boston, Hong Kong, Irvine, Los Angeles, Macau, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, Phoenix and Shanghai. • • •